PUGLIA – ITALIA

Ciao amici!

This trip to Italy was the first time for me to really dive in the local culture and experience Italy with all that it contains. The idea for the trip came about very spontaneously and as it happens, it was again one of the most surprising weeks. Right after the last trip to Israel and Palestine. I was flying alone and on the first day I decided to expand my consciousness and instead of a tired day, it happened to be one of the longest days in a long time. I first walked around and enjoyed being in Bari and then decided to move on to Polignano a Mare by train. On the train a very funny scene happened because my card didn’t work and I didn’t know how to pay my ticket. But thanks to that I met Mateo and his friend and spent part of the day with them in Polignano. They were 18 and 19 and I liked how they had such a nice and pure friendship with each other. We visited the old town and talked about random stuff. They were kind of shy the whole time and I was just enjoying the beauty and kitschiness of Italy around me. The house I was staying at had a beautiful terrace and I was so polemic! I absolutely loved the terrace.

Terrace of the apartment I stayed at in Polignano and me being so happy one more timee

On this trip, I realized a lot again that I don’t have just one face. That it’s actually cool to enjoy the bourgeois life and go to restaurants sometimes. I also enjoyed being in a beautiful place and not worrying too much about anything and just having a good time. I wanted to study for my state exams, but of course I didn’t learn anything or even look at it.

BARI

Definitely a great city to stay in, with lots of places to see. I more or less enjoyed the Italian atmosphere and time to myself. And eating and working.

My very first cappuccino in Italy full of joy

POLIGNANO A MARE

This place is definitely one of the most kitschy and romantic places I’ve been. Romantic in that classic way. It’s a beautiful city where I didn’t mind the tourists. I mostly enjoyed the nights when I was alone on that famous beach, enjoying the present.

My heroes Mateo and Marco after jumping from the cliff

LECCE

Lecce is a city about an hour and a half drive from Bari which I found very impressing. It looks about the same as Florence, but less touristy. In fact, all the tourists were either large groups of retirees or groups of teenagers on a school trip. I worked practically the whole time eating croissants, drinking cappuccinos and enjoying the present moment. That’s probably the biggest actual progression I’ve made in the last few months – trying to be present in each moment as much as possible and not thinking about what I’m missing/escaping where. Just getting rid of the FOMO. And I feel like I’m on a very good path!

ALBEROBELLO ON BIKE

The next day I decided to rent a bike because I couldn’t resist seeing so many cyclists around me. I rented a trekking bike for 20 euros and it made me to be the happiest girl in the world. Since I’m used to riding a super heavy bike in Berlin, it didn’t bother me at all that I was extremely slow. I found beautiful paths off the road and enjoyed the journey through nature. There were so many flowers everywhere and just in general it was all so beautiful! I was really happy, even though I was quite cold in parts and even got wet at the end. I arrived quite exhausted but happy. I’m always fascinated by how much energy and happiness cycling gives me. Definitely my absolute favourite activity ever. After yoga, walking, running, acrobatics and just about any physical activity, actually. 🙂

Definitelly one of the most beautiful off road trails. So so so many flowers. Made me very content

TRULLI – characteristic houses made of limestone, typical for Alberobello.

OTRANTO, OSTUNI and CASTLE TO SELL (Uggiano la Chiesa)

The next day we went to see the castle for sale. We had a meeting with Francesco and he gave us a tour of the beautiful location. I was blown away by it and have already seen what can be done with the place. Then we went exploring and just got caught up in the presence again. Beautiful coastline and city. Otranto charmed us with the atmosphere, the beach and again the small number of tourists. We had dinner in Ostuni at a super hidden restaurant. I had orecchiette with cime di rapa there for the first time and absolutely LOVED it. Went to bed so satisfied and full of the sun from the day.

Castle that is going to be sell, we went to check the place out with Francesco. Such a gem!

Caffè Leccese (drink coming from Lecce – iced coffee with super super extremely sweet almond milk) with croissant. I had had really a bit sugar schock after it.

LOCOROTONDO, MONOPOLI

Monopoli after a small dance and glass of wine. We listened to very fun DJs and were just a bit sad that noone beside them ( and me) danced to their music.

PESCARIA – famous sea food fast food from Polignano a Mare. I didn’t like my sandwich so much but it was a must to try based on Italians

Monipoli. I think my favourite town in Puglia.

SOME FOOD STUFF

This was also largely a foodie trip, which was a complete novelty for me, since I am never used to go to restaurants much when I travel. Puglia really showed me that Italy has a lot to be proud of when it comes to food. At times I was a little confused as to why the Italians were so fixated on their cuisine, but now I understand and affirm it very well.